WISeKey’s Semiconductor Subsidiary, SEALSQ, Completes the Development of a Test-Chip for a New RISC-V Post-Quantum Secure Hardware Platform
WISeKey expects the chip to be ready for commercial use in late 2024, targeting various segments of the secure chips market.
Geneva, Switzerland – December 13, 2023: WISeKey International Holding Ltd. (“WISeKey”) ((SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ:WKEY), a leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions operating as a holding company, today announced that its Semiconductor subsidiary SEALSQ Corp (“SEALSQ”) (NASDAQ:LAES) completed the development of a RISC-V post quantum test-chip, an important milestone in the development of a new generation of RISC-V Quantum Resistant Secure Platform.
This new generation chip based on the RISC-V open-source core technology, is meant to align not only with today’s highest security standards like Common Criteria EAL5+ and NIST-FIPS, but also to be capable to run quantum resistant cryptographic algorithms to support next generation hybrid schemes. These include robust techniques like lattice-based and code-based cryptography, which are designed to withstand quantum computing threats.
The first commercial version of the new SEALSQ platform (sampling will start in late 2024) will align with key security benchmarks, including the widely-recognized TPM 2.0 standard set by the Trusted Computing Group (TCG). SEALSQ plans indeed to use this platform to serve various segments of the secure chips market including TPMs, and Secure Microcontrollers dedicated to IoT, Automotive, Healthcare and Smart Energy applications.
RISC-V technology is revolutionizing the microchip industry, challenging established giants and paving the way for transformative changes. By the end of 2022, the industry had already embraced over 10 billion RISC-V cores, with thousands of engineers globally contributing to RISC-V projects. According to research by Semico, this market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 70% through 2027, incorporating RISC-V elements.
The open-source nature of RISC-V, along with its scalability, energy efficiency, and customizable architecture, positions it as a versatile solution for a diverse range of applications. Its ability to foster collaboration and drive innovation, coupled with a design that’s both agile and future-proof, sets RISC-V to potentially redefine industry standards and market dynamics. For more information visit https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/the-next-revolution-in-the-microchip-industry.
The secure microcontroller (MCU) market is expected to grow to US$2.2 billion by 2026, according to a new 2023 report from ABI Research. Demand for security, especially in general purpose microcontrollers, will ensure the secure MCU market continues to be a high priority for device OEMs. Strong market demand will stem from utilities and industrial IoT, and from smart cities and buildings, notably for MCUs with Trusted Execution Technologies that can securely run mission-critical and highly sensitive applications at the edge.
In parallel, the global trusted platform module (TPM) market size is slated to expand at ~ 13% CAGR between 2023 and 2035. The market is poised to garner a revenue of $6 billion by the end of 2035, up from a revenue of ~$2 billion in the year 2022, due to the growing affordability of connected devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, as well as the convenience they offer with regards to communication, entertainment, and work.
